Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that combines the rich flavors of seafood with the comforting creaminess of cheese, these Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches are an absolute must-try. Each bite bursts with fresh crab and shrimp, sharp cheddar’s cheesy goodness, and a hint of fresh herbs, all nestled inside a perfectly crisp phyllo cup. Whether you’re serving these at a casual get-together or a special celebration, they bring a warm, inviting touch that’s sure to impress your guests and become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the creamy custard base to the tender seafood and the flaky pastry crust.
- Fresh or canned crab meat (1 cup): Choose good-quality crab meat for the most authentic seafood flavor.
- Cooked and chopped shrimp (1 cup): Adds a tender seafood bite that complements the crab perfectly.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings a bold, tangy flavor and melts beautifully throughout the quiche.
- Large eggs (4): The essential binding ingredient that gives the quiche its signature custardy texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a rich, velvety base that makes the filling luxurious.
- Milk (1 cup): Lightens the custard while keeping it silky.
- Green onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle fresh bite and a pop of color.
- Fresh parsley, minced (1 tbsp, optional): Offers a herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds depth and savory warmth without being overpowering.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for enhancing all the delicate flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Provides just enough spice to awaken the taste buds.
- Phyllo pastry cups or mini pie crusts (12 count package): These provide the delicate, flaky vessel that holds your luscious filling.
How to Make Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures your mini quiches will cook evenly, allowing the custard to set beautifully while the crust crisps up perfectly.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend forms the creamy foundation for the quiche filling, balancing richness with savory notes that make every bite satisfying.
Step 3: Fold in the Seafood and Cheese
Gently add the crab meat, chopped shrimp, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and parsley into the custard. Folding rather than stirring aggressively keeps the seafood tender and preserves the chunks of cheese, so you get pockets of gooey cheddar in every mini quiche.
Step 4: Arrange Pastry Cups
Place your phyllo pastry cups or mini pie crusts in a muffin tin. These little cups are the perfect size for bite-sized servings and elevate presentation with their flaky crispness paired against the rich filling.
Step 5: Fill the Cups
Using a ladle, fill each pastry about three-quarters full with the crab and shrimp mixture. Don’t overfill to prevent spills during baking, but make sure the filling is generous enough to provide that perfect mouthful.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is set and the tops turn a subtle golden color. The aroma of baked cheese and seafood will be irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Remove
Let the mini quiches cool for a few minutes before gently taking them out of the tin. This resting time allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and enhancing the texture.
Step 8: Serve Warm or Room Temperature
These Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches are delicious served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature, making them a versatile option for any occasion.
How to Serve Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a thin slice of green onion on top adds fresh color and a hint of brightness. A small dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice also complements the seafood flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these mini quiches alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a chilled cucumber salad also make refreshing companions that don’t compete with the rich quiche flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic feel. For a sophisticated touch, surround them with edible flowers or microgreens. They also work beautifully as elegant finger foods at cocktail parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover mini quiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick snack or to include in your next lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled mini quiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be safely frozen for up to 2 months without losing their wonderful texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated quiches in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy—reheating in the oven ensures the pastry stays crisp and the filling creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab and shrimp for the mini quiches?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the seafood completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing to avoid a watery filling.
Are there any good substitutions for the phyllo pastry cups?
Yes! Mini pie crusts work well as a substitute and give a slightly heartier texture, while puff pastry shells can add a flaky layer of decadence.
Can I prepare these mini quiches in advance for a party?
Definitely. They hold up well if prepared a few hours ahead and kept chilled, or even the day before. Simply reheat gently before serving to bring back their fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
What if I want to make these gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free pastry cups or crusts at your grocery store. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe adaptable with the right crust.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped bell peppers or spinach can be folded in for extra flavor and nutrition, but keep the quantities small to maintain the delicate texture of the quiche.
Final Thoughts
Once you make these Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches, they’re bound to become a go-to appetizer for your gatherings and special meals. The stunning combo of cheesy seafood custard in a crispy shell is pure comfort food magic. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and watch these mini delights disappear fast—your guests will thank you!
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Cheddar Crab And Shrimp Mini Quiches Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini quiches 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
These Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring fresh seafood, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs baked to perfection in flaky phyllo pastry cups. Perfect for parties, brunch, or a light snack, these mini quiches combine creamy, savory flavors in an easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 cup fresh or canned crab meat (drained)
- 1 cup shrimp (cooked and chopped)
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1/4 cup green onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced, optional)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pastry
- 1 package phyllo pastry cups (12 count) or pre-made mini pie crusts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the quiches evenly.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the seafood and cheese: Gently fold in the drained crab meat, chopped shrimp, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped green onions, and minced parsley if using. Mix carefully to distribute ingredients evenly without breaking up the seafood too much.
- Arrange the pastry cups: Place the phyllo pastry cups or mini pie crusts in a muffin tin, ensuring they sit flat and stable to hold the filling during baking.
- Fill the cups: Use a ladle to spoon the crab and shrimp mixture into each pastry cup, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for the filling to set without overflowing.
- Bake the quiches: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quiches are set in the center and the tops turn slightly golden brown.
- Cool and remove: Allow the mini quiches to cool for several minutes in the tin to firm up, then carefully remove them with a small spatula or knife to avoid breaking.
- Serve: Enjoy these mini quiches warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can use fresh or canned crab meat depending on availability; just ensure canned crab is well-drained.
- For easier prep, buy pre-cooked shrimp to save time.
- If you prefer, substitute phyllo pastry cups with mini pie crusts for a different texture.
- Add more herbs like dill or chives to enhance the flavor.
- Quiches can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini quiche
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: mini quiches, crab and shrimp quiches, seafood appetizers, cheddar mini quiche, phyllo pastry cups, party snacks, easy appetizers
